Winter Reflection

I am Sorry that I haven’t blogged in a while. Weeks go by so fast and days go by even faster.  I will try to highlight as much as possible.  Winter is gone and spring is here! The weather is already getting so warm during the day!

Carnivore menu

 A group of us went to a restaurant called Carnivore. I ate things like chicken liver, zebra,  and crocodile!

 I am trying to be as adventurous as I can, I dont want leave with any regrets. One of my biggest accomplishments so far is that I finally drove! It wasnt on a main road but I drove a stick-shift on the other side of the car! Baby Steps, Baby steps

 I got the opportunity to go to the Rhino and Lion Park a couple miles away from Refilwe.  I was able to pet baby white lions and a cheetah named Eddie.

White Lions

Petting Eddie with the guys

Back in July, Nicole put on a Christmas in July party. We all wanted to capture a cold Christmas since it will be so hot when the real Christmas arrives. For a couple hours it really did seem like we were home and in the midst of the Christmas season.

Christmas in July!

Nicole, Andy and I

The babies are growing soo Fast! I have 2 crawlers now, baby P and baby A, they are constantly keeping me on my toes. Our rockstar, baby P,  will turn 1 in just a few short weeks! He was the first baby here at El Roi. I am so privileged to be apart of his little life and so excited to see him be untied with his Forever Family.

P on the left A on the Right

Baby S is working so hard to be mobile, he just isnt there quite yet. Baby T is getting so big! She cant wait to join her brothers and Sister as a big baby. We are currently teaching her to be content on her own. She has a cry that seems to radiate through the house.

S on the Left T on the Right

And baby H is so sweet. I love my cuddle times with her in the morning and afternoon. She is still so small even at 5 months old but is growing stronger and bigger everyday. My favorite thing that she does right now is when she yawns she does a little sigh at the end. Melts my heart every time.

Baby H and I at her Dr Check-up

My 2 1/2 year old is doing so well. She loves going to preschool and being with Auntie Nicole and myself. I painted her nails a couple weeks back and it is now a constant question if I will paint her nails again. Her new thing that she has been doing is to come up and say “Auntie Whitney I like your hair and your shoes.” and also to say “Aunties Whitney I Love you.” And when I reply I love you too she says “yes”. She loves to take pictures on my phone. A couple hundred pictures and a few days later I found some funny ones.

Painting her Nails

N's Pictures

N's Pictures

N's Pictures

N's Pictures

On my days off, as much as I want to sit and veg out, I really want to invest in something greater than add to my movie collection. Since back at home I am a preschool teacher I thought maybe I could use those skills in Africa as well. On my days off I go to the preschool and assist the teachers where I can and love the 50 kids at the Refilwe Preschool. I realized how much i miss teaching and enjoy 4 year olds too. I miss my kids back at home and I want to give a shout out to all of them, They have all moved up class rooms for the new school year! I am so Proud!

Baby H and I

Baby P

Sunrise as I walk to work

Monkey's hanging around while I do laundry

Since A learned to crawl she always tries to escape her crib

Fashion babies

Morning Bottle

They Love to play by the door and get some fresh air!

Baby S looking good!

A and I having morning play time

Happy Late 4th of July From the RSA!

Nicole and I

Happy Late Forth of July!

    I had a great time celebrating with the five Americans here on site. A good old BBQ was thrown, bon-fire and s’mores included. Everyone on Refilwe was invited as well as a group volunteering from the UK.  (Lots of jokes were made celebrating with people from the country we got freedom from)

  I cannot believe that I have been here a full month! I am fully adjusted to the time change finally. It seems so weird to think while I’m up and working, everyone at home is sleeping. It does make it quite a challenge to talk with people. Nine hours is quite an inconvenient time difference.

 I have officially seen my first true African wild animal. On the property there are monkeys. They are clever, mean and slightly intimidating however, I’ve been told if you leave them alone they will leave you alone, so far that is true. They are a pack that travel throughout the Refilwe property, and especially like to hang around the baby house. One sat on the roof one day and watched me do laundry. Lets just say I had one eye on the laundry the other on the monkey.

Monkey's Outside my Window

   
    I’ve been trying to take advantage of any opportunities to explore Johannesburg. Last week I got to explore the Apartheid Museum/  Nelson Mandela museum. Since our group had limited time we spent most of it at the Mandela Museum which was so cool since I didn’t know much about him. He was a good man with a good heart for people and a Great Vision for the future of South Africa.

Downtown Jo-Burg with orange roller coaster

Nelson Mandela Museum

Read Top Two

Only Some of the Sticks around the Museum Where people picked favorite Mandela Quotes

All of the Quotes were Great but I Likes the Green ones a lot

Mandela Museum

Baby H

Feeding Baby H for the first time

 I absolutely love the baby house. As tired as I am after a long day, I can honestly say I enjoy being here. God really has answered my prayer that I would grow to deeply love these babies. I have bonded with each one in a unique way that fits their personality.
    On the 12th we got a new baby. She is a Preemie and is so tiny. She is three months old but still fits newborn size clothing! Nicole gave me the great privilege of naming her. I took this job very seriously and put lots of thought into it. Due to South African Law for protection of the babies identity I cant give out personal information. The name I gave her fits her perfectly meaning grace and God has favored me. I truly believe that God has put his favor on baby “H”.  He has protected her life in the last 12 months as she grew in her mothers stomach and was born into this world too early but in His perfect timing.

My Favorite Little two year old in the house likes to put her baby Dolls in all the bouncy chairs and Swings

Where I Spend most of my Time in the Baby House: Playroom

Baby Room #1

Being Such a good big sister

Our little Rock star Has Learned to Escape the playroom

I Made It!!!!!!

Hi everyone from Johannesburg, South Africa! It is still very surreal that I’m here.

After over 22 hours of flight time I made it! The flight went very well and God answered my prayer that I would have great people to sit next to on all my flights. From SFO to Washington Dulles I sat next to a very sweet couple on their way to Switzerland for vacation. On my way to Dakar I was able to take an empty two seater and got some rest. From Dakar to TAMBO I sat next to a wonderful women named Kim and her friends who were traveling to Cape Town. They were such a blessing because they helped me get through customs as well as gather my large amounts of luggage.

I live in a brick building with a small sitting room, kitchen with two bedrooms. I have amazing roommates names Jess and Megan. They both have been in Refilwe for over a year and both will head home before the year is out. They have been so helpful in showing me the ropes.

A Sweet Welcome!

My Room

Outside of my house

View from the porch

 I had my training day at the baby house on Saturday. All the babies are so precious! There is a 2 1/2 year old, One nine month, two eight month olds, and a 9 week old. We are also all waiting patiently for a new addition to be added.
Monday through Wednesday was my first days at work by myself! Now that its Friday I can confidently say I can take care of four babies and a 2 year old all by myself. I was pretty stressed at first but, I know it will only get easier. I am very thankful for my handy-dandy cheat sheet. : )

Typical day at the house with my babies

Cheat Sheet

Experiences so far:
My first three meals in South Africa were American, Pretty funny. I had pizza after I got picked up from the airport, McDonalds for lunch with the group, and then the rest of my pizza for dinner. Way to start my Africa experience : ] On Monday there was a braai (BBQ) to welcome a new women in the Refilwe community as a God-Parent. I finally had some true African food, This beef sausage thing, it was pretty good.

Every Wednesday they have something called an Agape meal. Everyone from Refilwe is invited to go to this group dinner and fellowship together. I had my first one the other night and it was such a cool thing to see everyone in one place. I am looking forward to going every Wednesday.

Prayer Requests:
-That I will be outgoing and build relationships with people in Refilwe, especially the other baby house Aunties!
-That I am able to get a local cell phone with no trouble (it can be quite a process)
-That I find a church out here that I can connect with
-and continue to grow a love for the babies that I will go above and beyond to care for them through the love of Jesus.

Packing Time!

June came so fast! Its about that time to get my suitcases out and begin packing. The next two weeks are going to be crazy. I have finals this next week, my birthday, last day at work, packing up my house into boxes, packing my suitcases for Africa. A whirlwind of activity for sure!

Its been cool to see my family come together before I leave. In April my brother, sister and I went horse back riding as a last hurrah as siblings. It was lots of fun.

My Sister Megan

My Brother Noah and I

Then over Memorial day weekend my sister came over and we had a cheesy movie weekend and “healthy” Pinterest veg out. Although it never ended up being that healthy haha. I’m realizing now that we never took any pictures, but I guess thats for the best since we were not picture ready that weekend.

My mom was here this last weekend and we went shopping and hung around and chatted. I have plans with my dad, but its a surprise for fathers day shhhh .....

I have been extremely blessed by all the amazing parents at work. I have been collecting winter baby clothes for the whole month May, I thought I would get a little here and there, I got way more than I ever imagined. I know the baby house will be so blessed by all the donations.  I had lots of fun sorting, washing and packing all week end.

Packing for my Babies

South Africa Update

All systems are go, my Passport and Visa are in order. My airline ticket has been purchased for departure on June 19th, at 6:00am from SFO for my 24 hour journey to Johannesburg. 

Ten and a half weeks to go! I’m counting down in weeks now because it feels like I have more time to prepare than saying 71 days. Its so close, how exciting! 

I’m sitting here at my Mimi’s house visiting my kitty one last time before I leave. I’m sure going to miss her. ♥ Goodbyes are already starting, not sure how I feel about that. 

Nap time is between 10am-3pm

The Camera has been in her face all weekend

I am very blessed to say that I am close to my financial goal. It was my prayer as I started fundraising that I would meet or exceed my monetary needs so the baby house could be blessed with additional support. I am overwhelmed by the number of people supporting me in prayer, financially, and just being excited for me. It is a humbling experience and another conformation that I am in God’s care.   

Please be praying for me the next two Wednesdays 4/10 and 4/17 as I will be speaking in the Middle School Ministry sharing my testimony and upcoming trip to South Africa. I’m pretty terrified, but I will be glad to share my story. 

Thank you for the prayers for my gallbladder. It was removed about two weeks ago and I’m feeling great. Praying that I have good health for the remainder for the year.